New Express Lanes Open On Capital Beltway

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- Drivers have a new express option to travel on a portion of the Capital Beltway in Virginia.

The new 495 Express Lanes opened Saturday at 2 a.m. The 14-mile express lane section runs from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road. The express lanes - two northbound and two southbound - supplement the existing eight lanes in that area. The entire Beltway is 64 miles.

Tolls on the express lanes will vary, but the average toll during rush hour is expected to be between $3 and $6. Carpools of three or more can use the lanes for free. All drivers have to have an EZPass to use the lanes.